Network Rail restructures maintenance teams to cut costs

Network Rail is restructuring their inhouse maintenance teams in a move which result in 1,800 job cuts.

Each railway depot adopt the same maintenance structure following the move.

Network Rail said the introduction of technology, like remote sensing equipment which helps tell maintenance crews the condition of the track, has increased efficiency.

With this type of new technology, there is a move from the old style “find and fix” maintenance to “‘predict and prevent” work.

Network Rail was unable to say how much the restructuring will save as consultations are ongoing, but the money will go someway to helping Network Rail achieve the target set by the rail regulatory body, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), to cut 21% of their costs over 5 years.

“We have a clear commitment to the British people to reduce the costs of running the railway,” said a Network Rail spokesman.

“Our plans to restructure our maintenance teams will improve the way we operate the network. A common structure, new technology, improved standards and better track information will allow us to focus our efforts even more on preventing faults and eliminating delays while providing a safe, efficient and reliable railway fit for the 21st century.”

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